Best Budget External CD/DVD Drives Under $25

TL;DR: The Rioddas External DVD Drive delivers USB‑3.0 speeds, plug‑and‑play operation and a feather‑light 0.44 lb chassis for under $19, making it a solid budget pick for everyday disc tasks.

What really stands out is the 5 Gbps USB 3.0 interface paired with a built‑in 5 V power draw, so the drive runs straight from the computer without an external brick. At just 0.44 lb (199 g) and with an embedded USB cable, it’s easy to slip into a laptop bag and pop out whenever you need to read or burn a CD or DVD.

Compared with the seven other drives in this $25‑under roundup, the Rioddas sits in the middle of the price range. It’s pricier than the $12‑plus Gotega model but cheaper than the $23‑plus Amicool and Roofull options. In terms of heft, it’s lighter than the Origbelie, Laurensory, Amicool, Ziweo, Roofull and Gotega units, though the ultra‑light Yotuo drive tips the scales at about 0.07 lb. All competitors share the same 5 Gbps transfer ceiling, so you won’t lose speed by choosing Rioddas.

User feedback highlights its “plug‑and‑play” simplicity and strong Linux compatibility, with many noting the drive works straight out of the box on Windows, macOS and a range of Linux distros. Reviewers also appreciate the brushed‑texture shell and copper‑mesh wiring that they say improves data stability. The most common gripe is a tight USB‑cable fit that can feel restrictive when plugging in, and the lack of Blu‑ray support limits it to standard CD and DVD media.

On the technical side, the drive offers a 2 MB memory cache, CD‑ROM read speed of 24× and DVD‑ROM read speed of 8×, plus write speeds of 24× for CD‑R and 8× for DVD‑R. The physical eject button and fault‑tolerant design add a layer of reliability for everyday use.

Best for: Budget‑conscious laptop owners, students or Linux enthusiasts who need a reliable, portable CD/DVD reader‑writer.

Avoid if: You require Blu‑ray capability, high‑volume disc duplication, or a drive with an included warranty.

TL;DR: The Amicool External DVD Drive offers USB‑C compatible 5 Gbps plug‑and‑play performance in a 332 g, 140 mm‑square slim package for $22.99, making it a solid budget choice for occasional CD/DVD use.

The Amicool drive uses a USB 3.0 interface that delivers up to 5 Gbps, so data moves quickly when you’re ripping or burning discs. The unit is truly portable – it measures 140 mm in depth, 140 mm in width, and only 17 mm in height, and it weighs just 332 g, fitting easily into a laptop bag.

In a roundup of eight sub‑$25 drives, the Amicool sits at a comparable price point to the Ziweo, Roofull, and Origbelie models. Its weight of 332 g is lighter than Gotega’s 0.77 lb design but heavier than Yotuo’s ultra‑light 0.07 lb version, giving you a middle‑ground balance of sturdiness and portability. While some peers list a fixed cable, Amicool includes a detachable 2‑in‑1 USB‑A/Type‑C cable, adding flexibility for newer laptops.

Users consistently praise the plug‑and‑play setup and the shock‑resistant construction that survives the bumps of travel. Professional reviewers note the smooth 5 Gbps transfer rate and the broad media support, from CD‑R to DVD‑R DL. The main complaints revolve around the lack of Blu‑ray capability and occasional power‑recognition hiccups on ports that don’t supply the required 1.3 A.

Best for: Laptop and desktop owners who need occasional CD/DVD access, especially MacBook users replacing Apple optical drives.

Avoid if: You need Blu‑ray support or plan to connect the drive to tablets, TVs, or car infotainment systems.

TL;DR: At $12.59, the Gotega External DVD Drive offers 5 Gbps USB‑3.0 speeds, 24× CD and 8× DVD write rates, and a lightweight 0.77 lb design, making it the most affordable portable optical drive in this lineup.

The drive’s standout spec is its 5 Gbps USB‑3.0 interface, which matches the high‑speed rate found in many of its peers. An embedded copper‑mesh USB cable keeps the connection stable, and the unit measures 6.5 in depth, 6.5 in width and just 1.0 in height. Write performance reaches 24× for CDs and 8× for DVDs, giving you fast burning without a separate power brick.

At $12.59, it undercuts every other option in the eight‑product roundup, which all sit above $16. The 0.77 lb weight puts it heavier than the ultra‑light Yotuo model but lighter than bulkier choices like the Rioddas and Origbelie drives. Its 5 Gbps transfer speed also aligns with the Laurensory and Amicool models, so you don’t sacrifice speed for price.

Users consistently praise the plug‑and‑play simplicity and the quiet operation that the built‑in shock absorbers and anti‑slip rubber feet provide. Professional reviewers highlight the portable form factor and the reliable USB‑powered operation, while noting that the plastic shell feels basic and the built‑in cable notch makes cable management fiddly when you store the drive.

The drive supports a broad OS range—including Windows 98 through Windows 11, Mac OS 8.6‑10.14, and Linux—so it works with most laptops you’ll encounter. Being USB‑powered eliminates the need for an external adapter, and the manual eject pin adds a handy fallback if the tray won’t open.

Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want the most for their money

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Origbelie External DVD Drive packs a 13 mm ultra‑slim profile, 207 g weight, 5 Gbps USB‑C hub and 24× CD speed into a $19.99 package, making it a portable, well‑reviewed choice for laptop users.

What really sets this drive apart is its thin 13 mm height and featherlight 207 g chassis, which slide easily into a laptop bag. It also doubles as a 6‑in‑1 USB 3.0 hub, offering two Type‑C ports, a Type‑A port, SD and MicroSD slots, and a power‑delivery line—all through a single integrated cable. The data‑transfer rate lists up to 5 Gbps (625 MB/s), so moving large ISO files is noticeably quicker than legacy USB 2.0 speeds.

Compared with the other seven drives in this roundup, the Origbelie is lighter than the Gotega model (0.77 lb) and only a shade heavier than the Rioddas unit (0.4375 lb). Its 13 mm thickness beats Rioddas’s 25.4 mm and Yotuo’s 16 mm, putting it among the slimmest options. While its $19.99 price sits above the $12.59 Gotega drive, it remains under the $25 ceiling for the category and matches the data‑transfer performance of peers like Roofull and Ziweo, which also claim 5 Gbps rates.

Customers repeatedly praise the drive’s portability and quiet operation, noting the anti‑skid rubber pads keep it steady on desks. The built‑in hub eliminates the need for a separate dongle, and professional reviewers highlight it as a “true all‑rounder.” On the downside, users have reported that the SD and MicroSD slots can’t be used at the same time, and the drive draws power solely from a USB‑C connection, which can be inconvenient for older laptops lacking that port.

Technical details round out the picture: a 2 MB cache supports error correction, while Lightscribe and RGB LED lighting add a touch of flair. The drive reads and writes CDs at 24× and DVDs at 8×, covering all common disc formats from CD‑R/RW to DVD‑R DL. Plug‑and‑play support works across Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista, Linux and macOS 10.6+, so you don’t need extra drivers.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $19.99

TL;DR: The Ziweo External DVD Drive packs dual USB‑C/USB 3.0 connectivity, 5 Gbps transfer, and 24× CD write speed into a shock‑proof, bus‑powered case for $23.99, though its fixed cable and limited OS compatibility keep it from being the cheapest option.

This drive’s most standout spec is the built‑in 5 Gbps USB 3.0/Type‑C interface, which matches the top‑tier transfer rates of rivals like Roofull and Amicool. It also offers 24× CD‑R write speed and 8× DVD‑R read/write speeds, all while drawing power directly from the USB port—no external adapter needed. Its ultra‑thin chassis measures 20.3 mm in height and 162.6 mm square, making it easy to slip into a laptop bag.

At $23.99, the Ziweo sits a notch above the $22.99 Amicool and the $19.99 Origbelie models, but it’s still cheaper than many bulkier USB‑C drives that exceed $24. Its 5 Gbps data rate is on par with Roofull, Amicool, and Yotuo, while the Gotega and Rioddas also list the same speed. Unlike the Amicool and Gotega, which feature embedded or detachable cables, Ziweo’s fixed USB cables limit placement flexibility, giving the detachable‑cable competitors an edge.

Professional reviewers praise the drive’s rapid 24× CD and 8× DVD operations, noting the low‑noise, shock‑proof housing as a plus for on‑the‑go use. Everyday users echo this sentiment, highlighting quick disc burning and quiet performance on Windows and macOS. The most common complaints revolve around the non‑detachable cable and occasional driver prompts on certain systems, plus incompatibility with Chromebooks, Surface Pro tablets, and Ubuntu Linux.

Beyond speed, Ziweo adds intelligent anti‑interference, a pop‑up button, and an emergency eject hole for manual disc removal. The drive is fully plug‑and‑play on Windows XP through 11, macOS (all versions), and Linux (excluding Ubuntu), and it requires no external drivers—just a media player like VLC for DVD playback.

Best for: Users who need reliable CD/DVD reading and writing on Windows, macOS, or Linux laptops and value a sturdy, low‑noise design.

Avoid if: You rely on Chromebooks, Surface Pro tablets, TV or car players, or Ubuntu Linux, or you need a detachable cable for flexible setups.

TL;DR: The Roofull USB‑C External CD/DVD Drive offers a 5 Gbps USB‑3.0 link, 0.69‑inch slim profile and broad disc support for $24.64, but its price and extra adapter keep it above many budget rivals.

What really stands out is the advertised data‑transfer rate of up to 5 Gbps (625 MB/s) over a USB‑3.0 connection, paired with an ultra‑slim 0.69‑inch height. Those numbers put it squarely in the fast‑lane for external optical drives, while the 300 g (0.66 lb) chassis stays portable enough for a laptop bag.

At $24.64, Roofull is pricier than the $12.59 Gotega and the $16.99 Yotuo, and even a bit above the $23.99 Ziweo, making it the most expensive option in this eight‑product set. It’s heavier than the feather‑light Yotuo (0.066 lb) and Origbelie (0.456 lb) but lighter than the Amicool’s 332 g build. In terms of speed, it matches the 5 Gbps rate found in every other drive listed, so you aren’t losing performance by choosing a slightly larger unit.

User feedback repeatedly praises the plug‑and‑play experience across Windows, macOS and Linux, as well as the built‑in force‑eject button that prevents jammed discs. Professional reviewers also note the reliable 24× CD and 8× DVD read/write speeds. The downside most users mention is the need for the included USB‑C adapter on newer laptops, which adds an extra handling step, and a few reports of power instability when the drive plugs into front‑panel USB ports.

Beyond speed, the drive supports a full suite of CD and DVD formats—including CD‑ROM, CD‑R, CD‑RW, DVD‑ROM, DVD‑R, DVD‑RW, DVD‑R DL and DVD‑RAM—so you can archive music, install software or watch movies without compatibility worries. Its USB‑C and USB‑A ports let you connect to virtually any modern computer, and the single‑USB power source eliminates the need for an external adapter.

Best for: Those who need fast USB‑3.0 performance, broad OS compatibility and a sturdy, feature‑rich drive and are willing to pay a bit more for those benefits.

Avoid if: You’re on a tight budget, need Blu‑ray/4K support, or prefer a drive that works without a USB‑C adapter.

TL;DR: The Yotuo External CD/DVD Drive offers a ultra‑slim 16 mm profile, 5 Gbps USB 3.0/Type‑C connectivity and solid 24× CD/8× DVD speeds for just $16.99, making it a strong budget pick for portable media needs.

The standout spec is its 16 mm height, which translates to a truly pocket‑friendly form factor. Coupled with a 5 Gbps data transfer rate, the drive can move files quickly while handling 24× CD read/write and 8× DVD read speeds without lag.

Compared with the other seven drives in this roundup, Yotuo is among the lightest options at just 30 g, noticeably lighter than the Laurensory, Rioddas, Origbelie, Gotega, Amicool, Ziweo and Roofull models, all of which weigh well over 0.4 lb. Its 5 Gbps USB 3.0/Type‑C interface matches the top speed the competition offers, while its price sits at the low end of the range, keeping it affordable for budget‑conscious shoppers.

User feedback frequently praises the drive’s portability – the thin profile and included fleece pouch make it easy to slip into a laptop bag or backpack. Reviewers also note the plug‑and‑play convenience and broad OS support (Windows 7‑11, macOS, Linux). A recurring comment points to inconsistent dimension listings across retailers, which can cause a bit of confusion before purchase.

Beyond the numbers, the unit uses flame‑retardant PC, features a recessed USB cable for a tidy setup, and works straight out of the box without additional drivers. This combination of durability and simplicity adds confidence for students, travelers, or anyone needing occasional disc access.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Laurensory External DVD Drive costs $16.99, weighs 13.6 oz, offers up to 5 Gbps USB 3.0 transfer and dual USB‑A/C connectors—it's a solid budget choice for basic disc tasks.

What really stands out is the 5 Gbps data‑transfer rate advertised for its USB 3.0 interface. Paired with an embedded cable that provides both USB‑A and USB‑C plugs, the drive can hook up to almost any laptop or desktop without needing an extra adapter. The manufacturer also highlights an anti‑skid rubber bottom and a brushed‑texture shell, which help keep the unit steady on a desk.

Compared with the seven other drives in this roundup, Laurensory’s speed matches the 5 Gbps rates seen in models like Yotuo, Rioddas, Origbelie, Gotega, Amicool, Ziweo and Roofull. In terms of weight, its 13.6 oz chassis is heavier than Yotuo’s 0.066 lb unit and lighter than the Rioddas drive listed at 0.44 lb, placing it in the middle of the pack. All competitors sit in a similar price bracket, so the Laurensory model delivers comparable performance without a premium tag.

Reviewers consistently praise the fast transfer speed, noting that copying large video files feels “instant” thanks to the USB 3.0 link. The dual‑connector design also earns points for convenience, especially for users who switch between older USB‑A ports and newer USB‑C laptops. On the downside, many users call out limited compatibility with modern devices such as TVs, car infotainment systems, iPads, Chromebooks, Surface Pro tablets and Ubuntu Linux installations. The drive’s broad OS support—covering legacy Windows versions, macOS up to Mojave and several Linux flavors—helps offset this shortfall for most desktop users.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance, or you plan to connect the drive to TVs, car infotainment systems, iPads, Chromebooks, Surface Pro devices, or Ubuntu Linux machines